I once owned a pen that I loved to use during my career as an airline captain. By simply turning the shaft, I could choose one of four colors. The pen did not complain when I wanted to use red ink instead of blue. It did not say to me, “I would rather not write after 10:00 p.m., in heavy fog, or at high altitudes.” The pen did not say, “Use me only for important documents, not for the daily mundane tasks.” With greatest reliability it performed every task I needed, no matter how important or insignificant. It was always ready to serve.

In a similar way we are tools in the hands of God. When our heart is in the right place, we do not complain that our assigned task is unworthy of our abilities. We gladly serve wherever we are asked. When we do this, the Lord can use us in ways beyond our understanding to accomplish His work. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

After reading this I started to ask myself. Am I like that pen or do I tend to tell God how and when I will serve?

Unfortunately, I don't think that I am like that pen often enough. Many times I receive very clear inspiration… then I am either afraid of what others will think… or require so much perfection of myself that it hinders my progress… or I get caught up in the 'how' and 'when' it will all work out.

I want to be more like that pen. I want to do the things He asks of me, as soon as He asks me!

Then there was a scripture I came across that brought me great comfort and hope. It is in Corinthians 1:27

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"

So guess what? I am weak!! Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying this in a self-deprecating way… but more of an acknowledgement that I have weaknesses. We all have weaknesses…. but doesn't this verse bring you great comfort?

The Lord chooses the weak to work miracles through them and then He makes them strong. He chooses the weak and humble because they are teachable and will do the things He asks of them AND how much more does it glorify God when someone who is flawed works His miracles? Think of Moses – do you think he confounded mighty people and things? Of course! He was very humble and was not gifted in speech yet he was provided for over and over – and miracles happened. He freed his people, confounded the Egyptians, and parted the Red Sea!! All this was done through a humble [and weak] servant of God.

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27)

I have come to a new resolve. I am grateful for my weaknesses and I am grateful that I am constantly being shown what they are. Instead of fearing that people will find out what they are or trying to act like I don't have any… I think God wants me to move forward WITH my weaknesses and have faith that He will work His mighty miracles through me.

How fun is this going to be?! I get to show all my flaws as I move forward on this path that I have been called to travel… and you get to watch it all? 🙂 WHOO HOO!

But in all seriousness, I am absolutely thrilled that I can be an instrument in God's hands and I commit to being more like that pen… writing whatever I am called to write… in whatever color I am called to be.